Raylene Grove Walker

1938 - 2025

Raylene Grove Walker

September 28, 1938 - May 3, 2025

Raylene Walker, 86, passed away in Middleton, Wis., on May 3, 2025. Whatever her hands found to do, she did with full vigor, good humor, and boundless love for everyone she met.

Raylene grew up in Raton, N.M., the eldest of seven in the family of Ray and Lois Grove. Her hands learned to drive when she was 12; at 15 the examiner waived her driving test: "Raylene, I've watched you drive for three years now, you're good to go!" Her hands learned to type and take dictation with short-hand; she won competitions in both and used them to great effect in many jobs over the decades.

Introduced by her sister, she corresponded at length with a navy midshipman, Gil Walker. When they finally met in person, they were engaged three days later. The two began their 63 year marriage on April 16, 1960. What a pair! They adored each other and shared their love with children, grandchildren, extended family, church members, neighbors, and a multitude of friends for 38 years in Boulder, Colo., and 25 more in Madison, Wis., where they moved to be with their grandchildren.

Raylene and Gil raised three children, Thad, Ann, and Jimmy. After Jimmy's death in 1985, they opened their home and hearts to many young adults who became like family and experienced their exceptional love and acceptance. Raylene had a heart for service; her entire adult life she regularly visited and cared for many elderly shut-ins. She was a volunteer for hospice, a regular speaker at Denver area religious events, and from 1995-97 she served as chair of the board of Colorado Christian Services.

Raylene loved to play cards, especially bridge, and solved the daily crosswords and cryptoquote in pen. She was an avid reader, and a skilled quilt-maker. An excellent soprano, she loved to sing both a cappella hymns and "dumb ditties". She often greeted familiar guests with a few bars of the Hallelujah Chorus at full volume. She was extraordinarily hospitable; her Sunday dinners for 10 were the thing of legend and occurred weekly for over 30 years. She loved to have a crowd for dinner and "required fun" featuring whatever card or board game was her current passion. For years she hosted an informal Sunday evening hymn sing in her home.

Raylene was preceded in death by son, Jimmy (1985) and husband, Gil (2023); she is survived by son, Thad (Michele) Walker and daughter, Ann (Terry) Vines; beloved grandchildren, Brent Walker (Marie Faust), Amy Jarvis (Spencer), Kyle Walker, and Anthony Vines; and too many friends and admirers to list.

Like a dove, Raylene has found her wings and flown away to rest.

Celebrations of her life will be held in Madison, Wis. on May 17, 11 a.m., Mandrake Rd Church of Christ, and Boulder, Colo. on June 14.